BEGA MP Andrew Constance says Roads and Maritime Services is investigating an upgrade of the Durras Road/Princes Highway intersection at the South Durras turnoff.
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It comes after the Durras Community Association this week called on the NSW government to upgrade the junction and build a left-turn slip lane.
The association argued the intersection was “an accident waiting to happen” and said it had campaigned for the “dangerous junction” to be upgraded for many years, but no solid commitments have been made by government.
Mr Constance said the intersection was one of many on the Princes Highway south of Nowra built in previous decades below desirable modern standards.
He said that according to Ministerial advice, there had been no reported crashes at the intersection in the most recent five years of crash data.
Data is sourced from NSW Police and relates to crashes where people are injured or one or more vehicles requires towing.
“Whilst RMS may argue that the accident rate may be low, it doesn't mean that the intersection is necessarily safe,” Mr Constance said.
“I agree with residents about their concerns that it is an unsafe intersection.
“In response to community representations Roads and Maritime Services is currently investigating the cost of upgrading this intersection to provide a southbound left turn lane as suggested.”
Mr Constance said the likely cost, still under investigation, was expected to be up to $2 million.
“RMS have indicated that there are intersections where crashes are more prevalent and they too are currently being addressed,” he said.
Mr Constance said he would again approach the Minister about the concerns of the Association to see what can be done more quickly.
“In recent years I have secured the Long Beach intersection and Jigamy Farm intersection where there were similar problems,” Mr Constance said.
“I was hoping to meet with Association representatives at the end of last year, but due to surgery I had at the time I was unable to do so.
“I am happy to meet with them to give them the latest information I have on the matter.”
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